4/3 to 4/11/25 We drove to Arkansas to catch the Yellow Grosbeak being seen at a child’s feeder that she had gotten for Christmas. A big, big thanks to the family for allowing us on the property to see that special bird! Then we headed south to try for some birds of Texas. From S. Llano State Park, we made it to Brownsville, TX and worked our way to the east where we were able to get in to see the (very, very distant) Amur Stonechat being reported at a restricted tract at the Jocelyn Nungaray NWR, TX. We thank Dania and all the volunteers that made that happen.
GOING BACK IN TIME….
4/11/25 Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, TX: A number of Snowy Plover and Piping Plover individuals came up to be photographed! On the way to the flats, we caught a gorgeous Long-billed Curlew and a Pectoral Sandpiper. There was also a huge American Avocet flock (but was back-lit the whole time) and a shy Whimbrel . And on 4/12/25, Jocelyn Nungaray NWR. we took the tour into the refuge to see the Amur Stonechat which was super distant but still of interest.
4/10/25 Sabine Area, TX: We tried Sabine Woods and Sea Rim SP and caught: Yellow-rumped Warbler , Rose-breasted Grosbeak along with a Blue Jay and Hermit Thrush . Also seen: Willet , Crested Caracara , Wilson’s Plover , Lesser Yellowlegs , Pectoral Sandpiper flock in flight , Neotropic Cormorant , Dowitchers , Stilt Sandpiper , and a Western Sandpiper .
4/9/25 Galveston, TX and Sea Rim SP, TX: It was a real treat to see two birds up-close that we love to watch but rarely get to see: the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (We love the colors and that tail!) and the male Northern Harrier (The harrier was bringing nest material in and preening on a post right before the camera.). Also: Marbled Godwit , an amazing American Avocet flock , Roseate Spoonbill trio in flight, and American Bittern also in flight!
4/7/25 Edinburg Wetlands, Brownsville, TX: Two Golden-fronted Woodpecker pairs were contesting for a nest hole. It was exhausting just to watch them circle the tree in a flurry of wings. They were so busy with each other, they almost didn’t notice a European Starling that also became interested in the hole! Also in Brownsville: Couch’s Kingbird and Broad-winged Hawk .
4/7/25 Edinburg Wetlands, Brownsville, TX: Also: Green Kingfisher (m), Curve-billed Thrasher , Great-tailed Grackle , Purple Martin , Plain Chachalaca , Yellow-crowned Night-Heron , Inca Dove , tropical Kingbird , and Green Parakeet (not far from the park).
4/6/25 Brownsville, TX: It is always fun to explore this area. This time, the highlight was the parrots (or Amazons as they now call them). In particular, a Yellow-headed Amazon pair were showing up and we got to see them in the big flock that flies in to roost as the light fades. Also: Red-crowned Amazon , Red-lored Amazon , White-fronted Amazon , and Green Parakeet .
4/6/25 Brownsville, TX: It is always fun here: Tropical Kingbird (first 2 pics -larger bill), Couch’s Kingbird , American Avocet , Laughing Gull ‘en masse’ , Pectoral Sandpiper , Muscovy Duck (domestic), Scissor-tailed Flycatcher , Nashville Warbler , and Plain Chachalaca .
4/4 and 4/5/25 S. Llano SP, TX: Bell’s Vireo , Ash-throated Flycatcher , Bewick’s Wren , Black-chinned Hummingbird , Black-crested Titmouse , Carolina Chickadee , and Field Sparrow .
4/4 and 4/5/25 S. Llano SP, TX: Lesser Goldfinch (f,m), Licoln’s Sparrow , Northern Cardinal , Spotted Towhee (m,f), Wilson’s Warbler , Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay , and a scruffy-looking Clay-colored Sparrow .
4/4 and 4/5/25 S. Llano SP, TX: Nashville Warbler , Ladder-backed Woodpecker , Pine Siskin , Lark Sparrow , Northern Mockingbird , Chipping Sparrow , White-winged Dove , Yellow-rumped Warbler , White-crowned Sparrow , Ruby-crowned Kinglet , House Finch , and Orange-crowned Warbler .
4/3/25 Berryville, AR: Yellow Grosbeak! After a drive through whipping and wild tornado weather, a 4 hour wait in iffy rain and lightning, and an intense watch of the trees, this huge yellow bird landed at the feeder and we grabbed as many images as we could before it flew off. Also: Purple Finch and Eastern Bluebird.
MOONBEAMPUBLISHING.ORG 